Premier League issue official explanation after Rasmus Hojlund VAR drama vs Man City

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VAR was called into action in the second half of Manchester United’s remarkable victory over Manchester City.

Manchester United left it late, but they picked up a much-needed three points after securing a 2-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

It was a win heavily inspired by Amad Diallo, who was sensational for the Red Devils in a No.10 position.

Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were left out by Ruben Amorim in a bold call from the United head coach, but his decision was justified through Amad’s masterclass.

Amad scored the winner in dramatic fashion after latching onto a looping ball and squeezing his shot in from a tight angle. Just moments before that, he had earned a penalty for United.

Rasmus Hojlund denied a penalty vs Man City

Amad earned his penalty after intercepting a sloppy back pass from Matheus Nunes, who then chased back and caught him late in the box.

It was a stonewall decision for referee Anthony Taylor to make, with Nunes hardly appealing the penalty call.

United drew level from the spot, but it could easily be argued that another penalty should have been awarded earlier in the second half.

Rasmus Hojlund led the line for United and just after the hour mark he chased down a ball into the box before tumbling to the ground following a challenge from Ruben Dias.

A replay revealed that Dias had stretched his leg across Hojlund’s path without making any contact on the ball. Via Sky Sports, ex-United captain Gary Neville said: “It’s clumsy… he gets nowhere near the ball.”

Premier League officially explain Man United penalty decision

United appealed for the decision but were waved away by Taylor, and VAR then quickly cleared the incident.

Minutes later, the Premier League offered an official explanation for the decision via their Match Centre on X – formerly known as Twitter.

READ MORE: Amad Diallo’s emphatic message to Man United duo after justifying Ruben Amorim’s most controversial decision

The post read: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge between Højlund and Dias was checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming it was normal contact.”

The baffling penalty call deserves its place in the list of Man United’s worst VAR decisions in the Premier League.